Supreme Court Rejects Some of Arizona Immigration Law, Upholding the Most Contentious Provision

The Supreme Court, today, released their decision on a heavily debated Arizona immigration law, SB 1070, blocking some key provisions while upholding the most contentious provision dubbed the “Papers Please” law, which requires police to check the immigration status of people they stop.

The Court stated that several provisions are unconstitutional and intruded on the federal government’s right to enforce immigration laws.

In the 25 page opinion, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote, “Arizona may have understandable frustrations with the problems caused by illegal immigration…, but the state may not pursue policies which undermine federal law.”

Provisions which were block by the high court include, making it a crime for illegal immigrants to hold a job, requiring immigrants to register with the state, and a provision that would give local law enforcement the right to arrest a suspected illegal immigrant without a warrant.

The provision upheld by the Supreme Court is part of the law allows police to check the immigration status of people they stop or arrest. The “Papers Please” provision is widely criticized because civil rights groups believe Latinos will be targeted based on their ethnicity.

With the Supreme Court upholding this provision, other states may also try to pass similar laws, making it crucial for illegal immigrants in Arizona and other states to get the necessary legal documents with assistance of an immigration attorney. Most immigrants just want a better life for themselves and their families; they often by pass the legal channels of residency, made easier by an immigration lawyer, because of the time and effort it takes. But they are vulnerable to deportation.

Immigrants have a number of options for having a legal presence, either through the various visas available or asylum. An immigration attorney will determine if an immigrant qualifies for a HB-1 or work visa and be by their side during the naturalization process.